2024-25 President's Scholars

Haiam Ibrahim

Gwen Evans La Bounty Family and Jasen Strand Memorial President’s Scholar

Major: Integrated Teacher Education

College of Education and Integrative Studies

Activities: Lopez Urban Farm Community Volunteer; Community Cook; Mother of Five; substitute teacher

Haiam desires to be a teacher to assist those who are in need and to encourage education as a means to build positive communities. She has chosen special education to advocate for those who are often not seen. “There are many students who have a disability, and I want to make it my job to serve them. Their voices, like many others, are silenced, and it isn’t fair because they never chose to have that life. I feel they need more love and care.” At the heart of her journey are her five children whom she hopes to show through her own efforts that having an education opens doors and teaches resiliency. Her desire to give back the support that she has been given also includes volunteerism at a local urban farm, where people learn how to grow their food, promote green space, and provide nourishment for those in need. Cal Poly Pomona is a place that makes her feel welcomed and like family, says Haiam, and the scholarship will allow her to purchase necessary resources for her family’s educational journey.